Mark Haines-drums Mark has drummed on all three Midwesterner albums, and helped record or co-produce them also.
Ernie Conner-guitars, vocals Ernie has been with the band since 2001 and adds great backup vocals and guitars.
Tom McCarty-upright bass Tom also joined the band around 2001 and anchors the band with a solid bottom that can also swing.
Richard Wiegel-guitars, vocals, songwriting Richard has been called ’one of the best songwriters in this genre’ and also brings energy to the songs with fiery guitar and vocals.
Influences
Chuck Berry, Dave Edmunds, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Steve Earle, Lyle Lovett, Rodney Crowell, Lucinda Williams, Gillian Welch, Levon Helm, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, Buck Owens, Joe Ely, Ry Cooder
Sounds Like
Dave Edmunds and Rockpile, Joe Ely, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Steve Earle
The Midwesterners is the brainchild of Madison songwriter and guitarist Richard Wiegel. Back in 1991, after years of guitar-slinging in one band after another, Wiegel decided to work on his own no-nonsense blend of rock and country. With his pick of musical talent and a collection of songs, Wiegel produced a CD called The Midwesterners.
Isthmus said, “Brainy honky tonk.” Rockzilla World noted the, “…subtle, easy glide style of slide guitar…,” and called Wiegel, “One of the better songwriters in this genre.”
The core of players on that CD kept the band alive over the next decade. In 2000 they recorded a second collection of Wiegel originals on Pretty Little Town.
The Onion dubbed the sophomore outing “…rollicking Americana.” Maximum Ink called it “…true to form…winding through descriptive …autobiographical lyrics.”
With original drummer Mark Haines, guitarist and singer Ernie Conner, and bassist Tom McCarty, Wiegel put together a road-ready band. In 2004 The Midwesterners were nominated for a MAMA (Madison Area Music Awards) in the Best Country Band category.
In early 2005 the band began work on a new CD of songs inspired by an early musical hero, Chuck Berry. Though release was delayed while Weigel recovered from a heart attack, less than a year later, Ridin’ With Chuck hit Madison airwaves.
Tom Laskin of Isthmus described it as “…refreshingly straight ahead. …stands out in a very crowded roots-rock marketplace.” Rick’s Cafe found it “…hard to imagine…(a band)…that blends early rock and roll, genuine country influences and honky-tonk so successfully.”
Since the release of Ridin’ With Chuck, fans have balloted The Midwesterners into contention for Best Country Band in the Isthmus, Best-of-Madison Readers’ Poll.
The Midwesterners keep it authentic, creating a vital link to rock and country’s past with just the basic ingredients: two guitars, bass and drums.
Many thank's for the add! I really appreciate to meet you here at MySpace. I love the sound and got your CD "Ridin' With Chuck" in my collection. Outstanding recordings on this album. Many greetings from the north of Sweden!
Richard, I bartend at the Barrymore and think I spoke to you the last time you played there. Stop in some time when we have a show and I'll buy you a cold one!
Hey Richard. I like the new website and glad to see you on myspace. Hopefully I will get a chance to see you sometime this summer. And if you are ever in IA, look me up. - Kent
